Going to business school as a parent is not an easy undertaking, but there are steps you can take to lighten your load, or at least manage it more effectively.

Through a combination of good time management practices and utilization of campus-based resources, you might find that being a business student is more manageable than you previously thought. Here are a few tips on how to make your business school experience better for you and your family.

Finding the Right Business School

In choosing a business school, consider not only the program, but its location. You can simplify your life by finding a program that is close to your home and your children's school or which allows you to take some courses online. Much time can be spent commuting from work to campus to your child's school. If possible, try to find a place to live and study that is centrally located.

Using Campus-based Resources for Parents

Many universities offer resources specifically designed to ease the burdens facing student parents. Aid is available, for example, to help you with personal financial management issues such as access to affordable child care, health insurance for dependents, and student housing. Some of this assistance may be available through academic or need-based scholarships while others are accessible to all student parents.

Adopting Time Management Practices

Good time management practices can help you better juggle the many tasks and responsibilities you face as a busy student and parent. One of the most important steps you can take is to get your family on a schedule they can stick to. Have children go to bed at the same time - the earlier the better - so you can take advantage of quiet time to study in the evenings.

These tips may not solve the biggest challenges facing student parents - a shortage of time and money - but they will help you navigate what may be one of the busiest and potentially enriching periods of your life.